The Best Splitboard Bindings of 2025/2026: Teton Tested & Approved

Long gone are the days of only 1 or 2 companies manufacturing splitboard bindings. The splitboard industry continues to grow as does the innovations in splitboading and splitboard bindings specifically. Check out our picks for the best splitboard specific bindings of the year below.

Mountain Weekly News Founder, Mike Hardaker reviews the latest splitboard bindings. From Union, to Burton, Nitro, K2 we cover all the best splitboard bindings on the market for going up hill ascension performance and how they perform on the ride downhill.  We have been tested splitboard bindings for over a decade. Enjoy Mike’s picks below.

Best Splitboard Bindings We Tested

Union Charger – Best Overall Splitboard Binding

Best For: Riders who want their splitboard to feel exactly like their resort board.

The Union Charger takes the top spot this year. If you ride for the turns, care about your style, and want to bring freestyle flair to the backcountry, there is no better binding. It allows you to ride any terrain with the same confidence you’d have on a solid board.

Out of all the bindings on this list, Union is one of the few companies making a split interface that doesn’t sacrifice “feel” for weight.

For straps, to lock your toes in Union uses their super-responsive Exoframe 5.0 Ankle Strap along with the lightest strap they have ever built, the TS 4.0 Toe Strap. The upgraded Charger Binding is now pinless and really easy to get on and off the board with a nice locking push down design on the heel that clicks into place when the board is ready to ride.

For anyone looking for a high performance splitboard binding that rides like your favorite regular snowboard binding, you found it in the Chargers.

• The Tech: Features the super-responsive Exoframe 5.0 Ankle Strap and the ultra-light TS 4.0 Toe Strap.

• Transition: The updated Charger is now pinless. The locking push-down design on the heel is fast, reliable, and “Teton-tested” for ease of use in deep snow.

On-Snow Results:

• Sizes: S, M, L

• Interface: Included (Works for Split and Solid boards)

• Compatibility: Not compatible with Burton Channel System

Review: Union Charger Splitboard Binding Review

Burton Hitchhiker – Best Hybrid Performance

Best For: Fans of Spark R&D reliability with Burton’s legendary comfort.

Coming in a close second is the Burton Hitchhiker. Built in collaboration with Spark R&D, it takes the proven Spark baseplate and improves it with Burton’s superior strap technology.

For anyone that loves Sparks and rightfully so this is an even better version of what Spark R&D currently makes. Burton added Hammock Straps for the ankle straps, along with a molded rubber Supergrip toe cap strap that really pulls your boot back into the binding nice and securely.

Toss in the tried and true Burton snowboard buckles and ratchets featuring Insta-Click and you have a powerhouse of a binding that’s great on both the way up and down.  These bindings slide over a set of Voile or Spark pucks and have been the go-to style of splitboard bindings for years and for good reason. The system works pretty flawlessly.

These bindings feature 2 heights for the heel risers depending on how steep your skin track needs to be.

Review: Burton Hitchhiker Splitboard Binding Review

• The Tech: Burton added their Hammock ankle straps and the Supergrip toe cap, which pulls your boot back into the heel cup more securely than the standard Spark straps.

• Durability: Features Burton’s “Insta-Click” ratchets—the gold standard for reliability in the cold. It slides over Voile or Spark pucks, a system that has worked flawlessly for years.

On-Snow Results:

• Sizes: S, M, L, XL

• Pucks: Not Included (Compatible with Voile or Spark)

• Price: $489.95

Nitro Vertical ST – Most Comfortable Ride

Best For: Riders dealing with chatter, ice, and long days on hardpack.

The Nitro Vertical ST rounds out our top three. Also built on the Spark R&D platform, Nitro solved the biggest complaint in splitboarding: vibration. By adding EVA Dampening to the baseplate, Nitro created a binding that handles avalanche debris and frozen “chicken heads” better than anything else on the market.

Like the Burtons these bindings slide over a set of Voile or Spark Pucks to lock into place. What amazes me though is that both Nitro and Burton were able to make a binding better based off Spark R&D’s design yet Spark hasn’t stepped up with anything new in years? If you care about your downhill performance, these Nitro Splitboard Bindings are worth checking out.

• The Tech: Includes Nitro’s Übergrip Toe Strap and exceptionally comfortable ankle straps born from Nitro’s decades of traditional binding manufacturing.

• The Verdict: If you care about downhill dampening and leg fatigue, this is your binding.

On-Snow Results:

• Sizes: M, L

• Pucks: Not Included

Review: Nitro Vertical Splitboard Binding Review

Karakoram Nomad – Best High-Tech Connection

Best For: The “Big Mountain” enthusiast who wants the most rigid board connection.

It’s been a long time since we last talked about Karakoram on this website. Over the years their technology seemed almost too progressive, with lots of moving parts that could easily fail in the backcountry. Now thankfully Karakoram is bridging the gap between big mountain splitboarder and weekend warrior.

Karakoram has bridged the gap between the “gear geek” and the “weekend warrior.” The Nomad is built around the SL Frame and features a carbon highback and carbon buckles.

• The Tech: The Active Joining system is the standout here. It creates a spring-loaded connection to the board that eliminates the “seam shear” common in puck-based systems. Even on icy days, the Nomad locks into place with a level of authority that pucks can’t match.

On-Snow Results:

• Sizes: S, M, L

• Interface: Included

Review: Karakoram Nomad Splitboard Binding Review

Union Charger FC – Best for Big Mountain & Stiffness

Best For: Aggressive riders who want Forged Carbon response.

For someone wanting the freestyle performance of the Union Bindings on the way downhill but still want a stiffer feel while touring on the uphill the Union Charger FC Carbon Binding is a great pick and way to cut the distance between a pair of Unions and Sparks.

If you love the Union feel but need a 9/10 flex for steep, technical lines, the Charger FC is the answer. By utilizing an EXP3 Forged Carbon Highback, Union has created a binding that is stiffer and lighter than the standard Charger.

• The Feel: This is a big-mountain tool. If you have stiff boots and ride with high speed and high stakes, the FC version offers incredible edge-to-edge response.

On-Snow Results:

• Sizes: S, M, L, XL

• Interface: Included

Review: Union Charger FC Splitboard Binding Review

Ride A-Bc – Best Newcomer

Best For: Riders who want a simple, aluminum-chassis workhorse.

Ride decided to throw its hat into the splitboard ring and the legendary binding company nailed it. Like the Voile and K2 binding the base is built off the Aluminum Splitboard Specific Chassis where you can see Ride’s years of snowboard binding manufacturing technology at work in the highback and straps. With an easy slide on and off design and locking push tab on the heel Ride’s first take into the splitboard world works.

Ride throws in a super easy “slide on, slide off” design to get you going quick and easily. Add in the push tab and Ride’s first toe into the splitboard binding world kills it

On Snow Test: Ride A-Bc Splitboard Binding

Sizes: S, M, L

Pucks: Not Included, Voile or Spark Compatible Pucks Available

K2 Farout – Lightweight Simplicity

Best For: The minimalist who wants to save weight without going to a “Pro” price point.

The K2 Farout is a “less is more” binding. It uses an unpadded K2 Highback and Sender ankle straps to keep the weight as low as possible. It’s built on the standard aluminum chassis and is a proven, reliable partner for long tours in the Tetons.

Ride entered the splitboard game in 2024 and absolutely nailed it. Built on the reliable Aluminum Splitboard Specific Chassis, the A-Bc features an incredibly easy “slide-on, slide-off” design.

• The Verdict: Ride utilized their decades of binding tech to create a highback and strap combo that works right out of the box. No learning curve here—just a solid, locking heel tab and great performance.

Review: K2 Farout Splitboard Binding Review

Rossignol Escaper – Best Rear-Entry Option

Best For: Riders looking for speed in transitions and “Fastec” convenience.

Partnering with SP Bindings, Rossignol introduced the Escaper with its Fastec rear-entry design. While it uses a traditional pin interface (highly reliable), the reclining highback makes it the fastest binding to get into on the list.

This splitboard binding’s rear entry design is called Fastec. It’s a design that makes it easy to get in and to get out of these comfortable reclining-highbacked bindings. It also comes with comfortable straps, a tiny bit of padding on the base and toolless adjustments.  Nidecker made waves in the snowboard industry with their rear entry binding last year and 2024 is seeing the release of the Burton Step On Splitboard Binding so things look to be changing rapidly on the splitboard front, especially when it comes to bindings.

Sizes: M, L, XL

Pucks: Not Included, Voile or Spark Compatible Pucks Available

Plum Eterlou – The European Powerhouse

Best For: The rider who wants something unique and incredibly powerful.

Plum is a French brand that is hard to find in North America but worth the hunt. The Eterlou feels like a mix of a Karakoram frame with NOW Snowboard Binding straps.

• Pro Tip: It has a built-in heel lock for skating across flat sections while skinning—a game-changer for long approaches.

Voile Light Rail – The Original Innovators

Best For: Traditionalists who want a ski-tech approach to the uphill.

The next 3 bindings on this roundup are built off the Voile Splitboard binding frame. The Voile Light Rail Binding’s aluminum splitboard-specific chassis mimics the way Spark Bindings work with the major difference being you slide the bindings on backwards vs forward.  What stands out with the Voiles are their touring tech piece that locks the toe with a latch found in ski boot and binding technology. Voile makes skis too so it only makes sense that they took that tech and brought it to splitboarding.

The Voile Light Rail uses a touring bracket latch found in ski technology. It’s heavy on the padding, making it feel more like a traditional resort binding than the name “Light Rail” suggests.

Sizes: S, M, L

Pucks: Not Included, Voile or Spark Compatible Pucks Available

Past Winners

The Hall of Fame: Proven Past Winners

The gear below represents our top picks from previous seasons. While the industry has moved toward the pinless systems of 2025/2026, these “Legacy Bindings” remain high-performance workhorses. If you find these on a deal or in the used market, they are still Teton-Tested and ready for the skin track.

Why Trust Our Past Winners?

As the founder of Mountain Weekly News, we’ve seen brands come and go. We keep this “Past Winners” list active because splitboarding gear is an investment. These bindings were the best of their respective years and many of our testers still have these in their personal quivers today.

Union Explorer – The Original “Resort Feel” Winner

There’s still lots of peanut gallery splitboarders talking trash on these bindings.  That’s fine as those in the know understand the Union Explorer and former Expedition Bindings will ride, feel, perform and look like your traditional standard binding.  And if you have ever ridden Union Bindings at the resort you know they are one of the best manufactures in the game. This binding differs from the Sparks touring as there is only 1 heel riser setting, which has yet to be an issue. The benefit is less moving parts and 4 less screws to mount to the board.

The Explorer Binding got a few upgrades including a locker for the pin to sit in while riding.  Some bright new colorways (lets make splitboarding fun again).  There may be a tiny bit of spin to these bindings when you mount them.  Try it before you knock it as the bindings do NOT spin underfoot while riding.  If anything they give you just a little more play vs having a solid metal binding attached to the board.  Union includes pucks with their bindings that mount to your split and a second set you can mount to a solid board.  2 bindings in one… Check out my full review of the Union Explorer Binding to learn more.

Price: $399.95

Pucks: Included

Not Compatible with Burton Channel System

Nitro Vertical (Legacy Edition) – The Comfort King

Finally Spark R&D and Union had a baby together, and boom you get the Nitro Vertical Binding.  All kidding aside these brands have not teamed up but it sures seems like it. With the Nitro Vertical Binding you get all the tech found with Spark R&D as they actuall built this binding.  So the baseplate is exactly like Sparks.

Where this binding stands out is with Nitro stepping and making it comfortable. If you have only ridden Sparks before and you put your feet in a splitboard binding with padded footbeds, a soft flexing highback and super comfy toe and heel straps you’re going to wonder why this hadn’t been thought of before?

Go buy this binding, you’ll be stoked, you get the comfort of Unions and response, with that progressive Spark R&D technology you’re familiar with in touring in when you step foot into the Nitro Vertical Binding, which is pinless.

Best For: Freestyle Fun in the Backcountry

Price: $469.95

Pucks: Not Included

Burton Hitchhiker (Classic) – The Safe Bet

Another Spark R&D Binding that has gotten some comfort and the Burton factor added to it is the Burton Hitchiker Binding.  I like this binding and the Nitro’s above more then any other Spark Splitboard Bindings.  Why? Comfort, comfort, comfort.

Burton makes snowboard bindings, some darn comfortable ones at that.  This high performance binding will perform very similiar to any of the Sparks touring, transitiong and whrere it changes a little is in the ridding. Burton added highback with foam padding that really allows you to spend that much more time in the binding without feeling a pinch or pressure point that can be found with stiffer harder plastic bindings. Burton straps and ladders make this an incredibly reliable bindings, and it’s super easy to find spare parts for.

Best for: Fans of Burton Snowboard Boots and Spark R&D

Price: $459.95

Pucks: Not Included

Union Explorer FC Splitboard Bindings

The Union Expedition FC Binding is Union’s newly updated lightweight splitboard binding. Union took the Expedition Binding out of the lineup and re-introduced it with a carbon fiber highback that sheds weight making them lighter than the Expedition 2.0’s.  Do keep in mind that Union Splitboard Bindings look and feel more like a traditional snowboard binding, with that comes a little added weight and the tried and true feel of a binding you’re most likely accustomed to.

What I like about these Union Bindings is if you add the Union Quiver Disk you can run these bindings on your solid too. When you put your boots inside the Union Expedition FC Bindings you just might forget your on a splitboard. Especially when you’re flying down the mountain blasting off everything in your path.

Best Use: A splitboard binding that can be used in and out of bounds.

Price: $549.95

Pucks: Included

Not Compatible with Burton Channel System

Spark R&D “Pro” Series – The Mountaineer’s Choice

What makes the Spark R&D Arc Pro Splitboard Specific Bindings special is the weight, at only 1.23 lb per binding (557g) this the lightest soft boot men’s splitboard binding on the market. For 2021 Spark’s Arc Pro’s feature Pebax Plastic in their pillow line straps.  These straps are comfortable, without bulk and easy to move around in the cold. For big mountain riders demanding performance the Rip N Flip Highbacks have been reinforced with carbon fiber stiffing up the ride a bit allowing for more response from the bindings.

Theses Spark Splitboard Bindings shed even more weight with lighter screws and nuts which are now adjustable via a hex key.  The Spark R&D Binding Company make the best splitboard binding for those looking to reduce the weight of their touring setup.

Best Use: Long days of touring.

Price: $540.00

Pucks: Not Included

Spark R&D Surge Pro Splitboard Bindings

The Spark R&D Surge Pro Binding is the lightweight version of Spark’s Surge splitboard binding built for larger more powerful riders.  At 5’11 155 lb I was able to handle this binding but it really likes to be ridden by someone with more bulk, someone that is hard on their gear but doesn’t want to suffer with too much additional weight underfoot.  The Surge Pro Bindings for 2021 managed to shave additional weight at 1.33 lb per binding (603g) which super respectable for a binding designed to handle the needs of heavier dudes.

The stiffer Spark Surge Pro’s also use carbon fiber in the highback and the comfortable, lightweight Pillow Line straps along with the upgraded nuts and screws adjustable via hex key. And Spark’s burly snap ramp to lock you in on the way up

Best Use: Long tours for bigger riders.

Price: $415.00

Pucks: Not Included

Spark R&D Arc Splitboard Bindings

This is the binding that really got things moving for Spark R&D.  Most likely you have owned a pair of Spark R&D Arc Bindings, my guess is these are the best selling splitboard binding of all time?  What you get with this binding is a whole lot of reliability on the way up and fun on the way down.  Its the sort of binding you can clank together to get snow off without worrying about breaking anything. Incredibly durable, and pretty much as light as the Pro’s. The Spark R&D Arc Bindings weigh only 1.38 lb per binding (626g).

These bindings forgo the carbon fiber highbacks (found in the Arc Pros) and use Spark’s traditional screws and hardware instead. Toss in the Pillow Line straps and you have my favorite Spark R&D binding to date.

Best Use: Going up and down just about anything you can imagine.

Price: $385.00

Pucks: Not Included

Spark R&D Surge Splitboard Bindings

Spark’s Surge Binding is the best splitboard binding for larger riders, dudes with big feet and that are hard on their gear.  Does that sound like you?  This binding can still be ridden by lighter riders but it’s stiffer and more reinforced for powerful responsive riding styles.  Even though the Spark R&D Surge Binding is tougher, the weight is still respectful at 1.50 lb per binding (680g).

Just like all the other Spark Bindings, the Surge’s come with Pillow Line straps, durable buckles and hardware.  The only real difference you’ll notice between with this binding is the solid baseplate vs the Arc’s that have cutouts in the baseplate design.

Best Use: Larger Riders that want reliable bindings.

Price: $415.00

Pucks: Not Included

Union Expedition 2.0 Splitboard Bindings

For someone new to splitboarding the Union Expedition Splitboard Bindings will offer the most familiar feel.  The only hiccup is the interface is a little tricker than the Spark’s to use at first.  Once dialed in though there is nothing that compares to the downhill performance Union offers. Well aside from your traditional snowboard binding as that’s exactly how the Union’s perform.  Zero sacrifice on the way down.  Why is that? These Splitboard Bindings took parts from traditional snowboard bindings and incorporated them into a splitboard binding, including the baseplates, bushing, straps and heelcups.

For 2021 the Union Expedition Splitboard Bindings 2.0, have an updated pin system for touring and riding that offers a tighter fit with less play then in the past.

Best Use: Surfing deep snow.

Price: $399.95

Pucks: Included

Not Compatible with Burton Channel System

K2 Farout Splitboard Bindings

A new player in the splitboard binding game as of late is K2 Snowboarding. The K2 Farout Splitboard Binding may seem similar to Sparks, because they are. The bindings slides onto Voile pucks from the front vs Spark from the back. The main difference between how the K2 Far Out Binding is attached to the board in ride mode vs the Spark R&D system is you actually pull the bindings on the pucks toward you vs Sparks where you slide the bindings over the pucks. So it’s similar in that regard.

The bottom of the Far Our Binding features a Pinless Speed-Rail Mountain System which is essentially 2 hooks that lock into place by wrapping around a metal bar.

Best Use: Just getting into splitboarding, or want to change up your current gear.

Price: $419.95

Pucks: Not Included

Voile Speed Rail Splitboard Bindings

Voile is still in the splitboard game for now (?) with their Speed Rail Binding and Light Rail Women’s Splitboard Binding that come with the new Quick-Lock touring bracket. Voile moved away from the Pinless Speed-Rail Mountain System use of hooks and instead designed a locker similar to AT bindings, something Voile desperately needed to do to stay relevant in the splitboard industry these days.

This Voile Splitboard Binding has a unique feature in the highbacks which has cutouts designed to fit Voile straps to make your own power strap of sorts. Weight 1 lb 7 oz per binding.

Best Use: Someone wanting to switch up their binding interface.

Price: $375.00

Pucks: Not Included

Spark Dyno DH Splitboard Bindings

Splitboard Hardboots make touring much more efficient, especially valuable when the majority of our days are spent on the way up. For anyone considering splitboard mountaineering, Spark R&D Dyno DH is a solid splitboard binding from the guys over at Spark R&D. Keep in mind you will sacrifice a little on the descent in terms of freestyle abilities but you’ll get to the top quicker

Best Use: Long tours in hardboots

Price: $250.00

Pucks: Not Included

Spark R&D Tech Toes Splitboard Bindings

Also, while splitboard mountaineers previously had to use skiing toepieces to clip into for the ascent, Spark has come out with their own tech toepieces for people looking to use ski boots splitboarding. Instead of having to adapt a pair of AT toepieces to your splitboard (which involves either drilling new holes into your topsheet and mounting them a la ski bindings or using adapters that add weight, height, and expense), Spark’s Tech Toepieces have a split hole pattern built-in.

Best Use: Touring with Dynafit “Tech” Bindings

Price: $160.00

Splitboard Hardware

Spark R&D Crossbar Clips

A cooler new invention for splitboarding is the Spark R&D Crossbar Clip designed to pull both parts of the splitboard in together. In the past, the industry relied on either Voile or Karakoram, so it’s nice to see Spark entering this realm as well. The clips are easy to use and have the ability to be adjusted as needed by turning a set screw. Say goodbye to any gaps between your splitboard moving forward.

Price: $50.00

Karakoram Ultra Clips

Another new piece of tech Karakoram is bringing to the splitboard world comes in the form of new clips to hold your splitboard together. The new UltraClips will according to Karakoram:

Once joined the UltraClip fully constrains the seam of your splitboard to eliminate seam rattling, seam shearing, and seam rolling.

The new UltraClip is music to our ears as it can be super frustrating when your board starts to separate over time, even worse is when you can see light through each half of the board. Luckily it looks like those days are coming to an end thanks to new connectors from both Karakoram and Spark R&D and now Capita has followed suit.  Plum is surely next.

Price: $39.99

Karakoram Flex Lock

With a solid connection between the highback and your ankle strap, this innovative system from Karakoram will help to increase lateral support, something the splitboard world, especially soft booters are in dire need of.

Price: $59.95

If you splitboard you can thank the guys above (left to right) Will Ritter of Spark R&D and Tyler Kloster of Karakoram for their solid innovations to the split world over the past few years.

Essential Splitboard Hardware & Accessories

To truly optimize your setup, consider these Teton-tested upgrades:

• Spark R&D Crossbar Clips: Eliminates the gap between your board halves better than standard clips.

• Karakoram UltraClips: These fully constrain the seam to eliminate rattling and shearing.

• Karakoram Flex Lock: Increases lateral support for soft-booters, making side-hilling on icy tracks much easier.

The Final Word

If you’re looking for the ultimate downhill feel, go Union. If you want the most refined hybrid system, go Burton or Nitro. If you’re a weight-weenie charging big peaks, look at Spark R&D or Karakoram.

Related Splitboard Bindings We Tested

1. Spark R&D Arc Pro Splitboard Bindings
2. Union Expedition Splitboard Bindings
3. Spark R&D Surge Splitboard Bindings